5 Financial Scams Directed Toward Seniors

By Debbie Waddell, 9:00 am on November 15, 2016

It is despicable for criminals to scam any person, but some truly terrible scammers focus on taking advantage of the elderly. Roseville senior care professionals discuss the top 5 scams targeting people in this age group and how your aging loved one can prevent them.

1. The Microsoft Caller Scam

In this scam, a caller claims to be from the Microsoft Service Center and says the computer has a problem. The senior then gives the supposed Microsoft employee some vital information, which the scammer uses to set up remote access to the senior’s computer. Once the access is achieved, the scammer steals financial information. Your loved one should never give out personal information on a call he or she hasn’t initiated.

2. The Distraction Scam

This scam involves someone knocking on a senior’s door and offering to do some type of “free examination” of something in the backyard. While the senior is out back talking to the “repairman,” an accomplice robs the house of its valuables. Reputable contractors rarely ever solicit door to door and should never be hired without a license and insurance check.

3. The Sweetheart Scam

Some seniors use an online dating site to find a companion. However, the people they find may be using fake details and pictures, which many seniors never question. Scammers often ask the senior for money for an emergency or expensive gifts. The worst scams involve giving bank and credit card details. A face-to-face meeting should happen as soon as possible after meeting someone online and you should encourage your loved one to avoid keeping any relationship secret from you or the rest of the family.

4. The Emergency Scam

Sometimes scammers call seniors claiming to be either a family member or the police saying someone is injured or in jail. The senior then gives money to help their supposed relative. Your loved one should take a moment to verify the alleged emergency with another family member before sending any money.

5. The Telemarketing Scam

In this scam, the senior receives a call from someone selling a product or service, which the senior either never receives or gets something worse than what he or she was expecting. The scammer can then take the senior’s financial information and charge other purchases. Your loved one should avoid buying anything or handing over any financial information on a call he or she didn’t initiate.

For additional tips on keeping your loved one’s finances safe, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers are available 24/7 to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably. In addition to respite and live-in care, we also offer comprehensive Alzheimer’s care Roseville families trust. To learn more about our high-quality in-home care, please call 916.472.0605 today.